BSI Constructor’s is pleased to announce that the historic renovation of Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport, Iowa was named Best Renovation/Restoration Project in ENR (Engineering News-Record) Midwest’s Best Projects of 2011. ENR Midwest serves Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and eastern Missouri. The projects were reviewed and evaluated by a panel of industry professionals and were selected on the basis of design quality, construction quality, innovation, safety, and the ability of the project teams to overcome unique challenges.

Originally constructed in 1915, the Blackhawk Hotel had long stood as Davenport, Iowa’s grandest hotel. Unfortunately, modifications over the years had stolen much of its character until a fire shut it down completely. Restoration St. Louis turned to BSI Constructors, for a complete multimillion-dollar renovation of the property. BSI helped realize the client’s vision by undertaking a meticulous historic restoration that returned the key public spaces to their previous glory. “This project could not have happened without the trusting relationship that BSI has been able to develop with Amy and Amrit Gill of Restoration St. Louis while working together on multiple projects over the past 12 years,” said Jim Shaughnessy, BSI’s Executive Vice President.

One of the highlights of the project was the removal of an intermediate floor as part of rebuilding of the original dramatic two-story lobby and skylight. BSI constructed a new three-story addition in the same style as the original building, and it now serves as the new grand entrance, while also housing a new swimming pool. In addition to its dramatic public assembly spaces, the 191,000 square foot building is also home to 120 hotel rooms, 11 extended stay suites, conference rooms, a coffee shop, salon, spa, flower shop, bowling alley, and fitness center. Since its renovation, Hotel Blackhawk has proven to be the venue of choice in the Quad Cities and has had helped stimulate more development in the area.

BSI Constructors will be featured in the November 28th edition of ENR Midwest and honored at an awards ceremony December 6th in Chicago, IL.